10 of the best things to do in and around Ashland, Oregon

27.04.2024 - 22:07 / lonelyplanet.com / Art

Ashland is known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but there is far more to this Southern Oregon city than the bard and its resident deer population.

The surrounding Rogue Valley is full of stunning views, delicious breweries and wineries, and an endless array of diverse outdoor activities. Within the city itself are art galleries, beautiful parkland and top eating and drinking options – all proof there’s far more to the Beaver State than Portland to the north.

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Ashland, Oregon. 

Let's start with one of Ashland's greatest hits – more than 20 million people have made their way to Ashland for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival since it was founded by Agnus Bowmer in 1935.  An event once made up of two Shakespearan performances is now a series of contemporary and classic plays produced across three state-of-the-art theaters from March to October every year. 

Enjoy a free outdoor Green Show four nights a week (Wednesday to Saturday) from May 31 to October 12. Or, if that isn’t enough for you, the Oregon Cabaret Theater is a year-round dinner theater and the Ashland New Plays Festival champions new playwrights.

Ashland also is home to more than 30 art galleries and studios, championed by Ashland Galleries Association. Time your visit for the first Friday of every month when galleries throw open their doors between 5 and 8pm for the First Friday Artwalk. On weekends from March through October, local craftspeople sell their wares at the outdoor Lithia Artisans Market.

Meanwhile, the Schneider Museum of Art at Ashland’s Southern Oregon University offers monthly visual arts exhibits in addition to its permanent collection at no charge to the public. The University is also the site of the Oregon Center for the Arts which produces live musical and theatrical events.

Ashland is one of the premier rafting and kayaking destinations in the world thanks to proximity to both the Rogue and Klamath Rivers. Companies like Momentum River Expeditions take you on a variety of trips courtesy, with options for mellow floats or whitewater adventures featuring Class 4 rapids. There are even overnight packages that include glamping accommodations and gourmet meals served with local wine and beer in a gorgeous, secluded base camp.

Seeing more of Oregon? Here's our guide to the state's best places to visit 

Steps away from the theaters and galleries in the center of town and head to Lithia Park – 100-acres of verdant lawns, tennis/pickleball courts, sandy volleyball court, playground equipment, picnic areas, an ice skating rink in winter, and walking trails.

For hikers, Grizzly Peak Trailhead is just 12 miles east of downtown Ashland.  The trailhead leads to intermediate treks of about 3 miles